Primary Squamous Cell Carcinoma of temporal bone in a Young Adult: a case report and literature review

Malignancies of the external auditory canal (EAC) and temporal bone are exceedingly uncommon, with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) representing the predominant histological subtype. Due to its subtle and nonspecific clinical manifestations, diagnosis is frequently delayed. We describe a 33-year-old male presenting with intermittent otorrhagia and progressive hearing impairment. Otoscopic evaluation revealed a friable mass occluding the left external auditory canal. Imaging demonstrated a locally aggressive lesion with osseous erosion involving the temporal bone. Histopathological analysis confirmed moderately to poorly differentiated keratinizing SCC. Based on radiological findings, the tumor was staged as T3 according to the modified Pittsburgh classification. The patient underwent lateral temporal bone resection with superficial parotidectomy and modified radical neck dissection. Histopathology revealed negative margins with nodal metastasis and extranodal extension. The postoperative course was uneventful, and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy was initiated. Temporal bone SCC should be considered in patients with persistent atypical otologic symptoms. Early tissue diagnosis, precise staging, and comprehensive surgical management combined with adjuvant therapy are critical for improving oncologic outcomes.